California Ag Network

Tag: Vmech

  • Preharvest Conversations Growers & Wineries Need to Have Regarding Smoke Taint

    “Uncertainty” seemed to be the theme of 2020 for all, and it was no different for the wine industry.  Unfortunately, this uncertainty continues this year for wine grape growers as they gear up for harvest amidst another threatening wildfire season.  With severe drought plaguing the American West, it’s not a question of if, but when more wildfires will occur and whether they will compromise the integrity of the wine grape crop with smoke tainting compounds. Many growers fear the possibility of rejections at the winery should their crop be impacted by wildfire events.  To mitigate some of this uncertainty, watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter, President of Allied Grape Growers, as he shares some key insights on some of the conversations growers really need to have with their wineries upfront this year to prepare for potential smoke taint concerns. Also, read a detailed report on the topic in the August issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • 2021 California Grape Harvest & Market Update

    Wine grape harvest has begun in the Central Valley of California. After considerable challenges in both production and the wine grape market last year, how are things looking now and what can we expect for the 2021 vintage? Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter, President of Allied Grape Growers, as he shares his insights and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • Preparing to Harvest Raisins Under Smoky Skies: What Growers Need to Know

    Most agricultural news coverage of the wildfire impact last year focused on the wine grape industry.  Though raisins don’t share the same concern for smoke taint as wine grapes, the lack of radiant sunlight due to smoky overcast skies had a significant effect on the sugar accumulation and natural drying process for much of Central Valley raisin crop last year.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang as he shares some key insights for growers moving into another dry season, and how to better prepare for harvest should last year’s circumstances reoccur.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • Managing Vineyard Pests & Diseases in a Dry Year

    A dry winter and spring impacts more than just water availability for the season. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Gabriel Torres as he shares expected vineyard pest and disease pressures in a dry year.  Read more about vineyard pest and disease management in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • Drought Impact on Early Season Stage of SJV Wine Grapes

    Choosing when to irrigate this season with a very limited resource amidst the current drought can be quite a challenge, and the adverse effects of insufficient irrigation are already becoming manifest in the 2021 San Joaquin Valley wine grape crop.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • California Raisin Outlook: Prices, Production & the RBA

    Watch this brief interview with Dwayne Cardoza from the Raisin Bargaining Association as he shared some key insights on the current state of the California raisin industry at their recent annual meeting.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • California Raisin Marketing Board Gets Shut Down

    Just last month, a vote passed to shut down the California Raisin Marketing Board. But what of generic California raisin marketing and the iconic dancing raisins? Watch this brief interview with Dwayne Cardoza from the Raisin Bargaining Association and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.